"Punch-A-Thon" to raise funds for Holyoke Career Closet

Amateur boxer Christopher Medina is an Americorps VISTA volunteer at the Holyoke Career Closet at Holyoke Community College.

HOLYOKE - Christopher A. Medina, an amateur boxer, has found the combination to “knock out” poverty. It’s called “Punch-A-Thon,” an event to be held June 16 at the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club, to benefit Holyoke Career Closet.

What is a Punch-A-Thon? “It consists of a team of five to seven people who collect donations through individuals or businesses. These will donate an amount for each punch or a monetary donation in advance,” Medina said.

In the city of Holyoke, 31.7 percent of the population is below poverty level, according to the US Census. For many, getting a good job may be the ticket out of poverty. Holyoke Career Closet helps low-income students to be dressed for success.

“We provide clothing for job interviews, internships and jobs, based on need,” said Medina, who works for Holyoke Career Closet, a project of Providence Ministries for the Needy, as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer.

The agency provides professional clothing at no cost to students referred by Holyoke Community College and Holyoke Juntos Collaborative, a program that offers GED classes, among other services, Medina said.

During the Punch-A-Thon, a member from each team will be throwing punches in mitts or at the air simultaneously. Every adult has the goal of throwing 1,000 punches, and children under age 15 will work toward the goal of 500, Medina said.

Local boxing coaches will participate as judges who will count the number of punches.

Sponsors commit to pay per each punch. “They can give a penny per punch or a dollar. The donor decides how much they pay,” Medina said.

The Punch-A-Thon will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, 70 Nick Cosmos Way, Holyoke. Medina hopes to raise at least $1,000. Proceeds go towards maintaining the closet. The Boys and Girls Club will sell refreshments. Admission is free of charge for spectators and there will be music, raffles and activities for children.

To participate, sponsor this event, or for more information, call Christopher Medina at (413) 219-0375 or (413) 552-2564 or send an email to HolyokeCareerCloset@gmail.com